For many years, researchers, physicians, and other medical professionals have been aware of the effects of behavior and psychology on the immune system – and so much of the impact has to do with stress, both physical and mental. Many illnesses are triggered by stress, particularly when there is prolonged exposure to hormones related to stress. While not every illness can be directly attributed to stress, it’s certainly something to consider.

Society tends to reward people who do good deeds, so we learn, early on, to feel good about helping others. We evolve to be social. But are we as likely to engage in “prosocial” or helping behavior when we’re stressed, pushed for time and it’s not “convenient?” Turns out, that may be when we need it most.